Steemit Visual Arts Museum - Hillary_shots📸

Greetings Steemit family,

My name is Hillary Byamugisha, a wildlife photographer born and raised in the breathtaking highlands of Kabale, Uganda, near the mystical Lake Bunyonyi. Photography is more than a craft for me—it's a language through which I speak to the world. It is how I tell the silent stories of the wild, where every creature has a spirit and every landscape whispers ancient wisdom.

My love for nature started in childhood, wandering the terraced hills and misty lakeshores. As I grew older, the call of the wild grew louder until I could no longer ignore it. That’s when I picked up my camera and began documenting the magic around me. My motivation is rooted in conservation, community, and connection. I believe that through storytelling in photography, we can inspire love and action for the creatures and communities that share this beautiful land.

Through my work, I aim to promote sustainable tourism, support local communities, and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect Uganda’s delicate ecosystems. Every photo I take is a pledge to stand for wildlife, and a bridge to bring others closer to their wild selves. The print and digital sales are used to support vulnerable mothers in my community.

Today, I present to you five of my most representative creations. These images not only reflect my technical journey but are windows into my heart. They are also part of a contest to raise funds to build a kitchen and install a water tank for my beloved mother back home—a woman whose strength inspires all the light I seek in the wild.

1. "Thoughts of a Giant" – Mgahinga National Park

Captured deep in the misty slopes of Mgahinga, this image shows a mountain gorilla resting quietly against a tree, its gaze lost in thought. The serenity and depth in her eyes struck me, it felt like witnessing a soul reflecting.

Camera: Nikon D500

Lens: 55-300mm f/5.6

Editing: Photoshop (contrast & lighting correction)

Message: Even the strongest beings seek solitude. This photo is a tribute to their vulnerability and wisdom.

1. "The Watcher of the Bush" – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

In this frame, a L’Hoest’s monkey peers skyward as a small fly hovers past. The dense greenery of Bwindi surrounds him, yet his attention is drawn beyond the immediate perhaps listening to the whispers of the forest.

Camera: Nikon D500

Lens: 55-300mm f/5.6

Editing: Light correction in Photoshop

Message: This shot reminds us to stay curious, to look beyond the obvious, and to find wonder in the tiniest movements of life.

1. "The Gathering Pulse" – Lake Mburo National Park

A group of zebras assembles in anticipation—muscles tensed, eyes focused. The moment before motion is often more powerful than motion itself. This photo captures the intensity of instinct and the harmony within chaos.

Camera: Nikon D500

Lens: Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6

Editing: Basic exposure balancing in Photoshop

Message: Unity is power. Even when still, life pulses through the wild.

1. "The Crownless King" – Queen Elizabeth National Park

This majestic saddle-billed stork, almost as symbolic as our national bird the crested crane, takes center stage in the marshlands. As he hunts, his wings open in a theatrical display that echoes royalty and precision.

Camera: Nikon D500

Lens: Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6

Editing: Adjusted brightness and highlights in Photoshop

Message: Even without a crown, greatness is unmistakable. Nature wears its glory without needing approval.

1. "Cautious Steps" – Unknown Paths

A young vervet monkey walks away, yet glances back cautiously an alert to a possible predator. This moment, frozen in time, reflects the duality of fear and courage that all creatures experience, especially the young.

Camera: Nikon D500

Lens: 55-300mm f/5.6 at 250mm

Editing: Slight color correction in Photoshop

Message: Growth often means walking away with fear in your heart—but walking anyway.

Each image is a conversation, a silent moment captured in the wild that speaks to our humanity. As I continue this journey, I carry with me the spirit of Uganda, the blessings of my mother, and the strength of every creature I encounter.

Thank you for joining me in this exhibition. If you feel touched by my story or inspired by these visuals, your support will go a long way toward helping my mother have a safe kitchen and clean water—two things every woman deserves.

Let us walk together, one frame at a time.
#supportamotherwithsteem

https://www.instagram.com/hillary_shots

With heart,
Hillary Byamugisha
Wildlife Photographer | Conservation Advocate | Son